E is for… Elevator Pitch

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An Elevator Pitch is a concise and interesting introduction that can be communicated in a short space of time (a short elevator ride).

You may not think it but delivering a confident elevator pitch is a skill. It is a skill worth developing. Introducing yourself in a concise, confident and hopefully, interesting manner can leave a lasting impression. A good pitch will effectively ensure that you got the most important points across to the other person.

At a networking event, having a good introduction is a vital part of your networking toolkit.

How can you demonstrate and develop this skill?

An elevator pitch can be crafted and practised. You will ultimately end up crafting a number of different elevator pitches for different scenarios and depending on who you are talking to. One example that you should have in your back pocket and ready to use at a moment’s notice is a quick introduction to yourself, your company and what you do.

What is your message and are you presenting it clearly? Think about what message you are trying to convey and consider how you can ensure that you are getting your key messages across. This will be done by the content/story, how you communicate and your body language.

Action Point: Do a review of your current elevator pitch and do an analysis – what is your message and are you presenting it clearly?

Skill Development Plan: Elevator Pitch

Carefully crafting what you want to say, practising it and refining it is the best way to develop this skill. You come across as more professional and confident with a well-prepared pitch.

If you haven’t already start by writing your basic Elevator Pitch. What key facts do you want to make sure the person you are talking with leaves with. This is likely to be your name, your company and what you can do to help them.

Once you have the basic framework, then work on telling a story and making it more interesting by making it more personal/relatable.

As part of your plan focus on building up a catalogue of different Elevator Pitches for different scenarios. Then practise them, reviewing and refine them. Reflect on what works, and what got interest or follow up questions and how you can make them better and say them more confidently.

WFH Action Plan: You don’t have to practice in person. Use your downtime to map it out and your remote networking opportunities to practice your pitch.

Further Reading:

• Elevator Pitch: How to be more memorable
• Quick Tip: Make your Elevator Pitch your Sales Pitch
• Crafting your Elevator Pitch: What do you do?